The 2016 FBA Playoffs is the post-season tournament of the Furry Basketball Association's 2015-16 season. The tournament was slated to begin on May 13th and is expected to finish before July 3rd. It is the second playoffs overseen by Commissioner Stefan Calico.
The shortened season proved to be a wake-up call to many teams, particularly in the Eastern Conference as the four lottery teams from last season all made the playoffs. For the first time in his career, Tallahassee Typhoons' franchise point guard Franz Volker (Doberman, G) missed the playoffs after a tough month of divisional and conference games had his team slipping out of the eighth seed to make way for their divisional rivals the Biloxi Voodoo, both teams finishing with the same overall record but the swamp ballers earning the post-season berth by virtue of a better conference record. Shockingly the Plymouth Taproots sank to the bottom of the conference and missed the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. And while the Dakota Bikers have not missed the playoffs in over a decade, the Winnipeg Voyageurs saw their streak of post-season appearances since their inception ended this year.
Format
All rounds are best-of-seven series; the team that has four wins advances to the next round. Each round follows a 2H–2L-1H–1L–1H format, where H represents games hosted by the team with the better seed, and L represents games hosted by the team with the worse seed. For the FBA Finals, H represents games hosted by the team with the better overall record, while L represents games hosted by the other team. Home court advantage in the first three rounds belongs to the better-seeded team, even if the worse-seeded team had a better regular season record. Home court advantage in the FBA Finals is determined by regular season record, followed by playoff winning percentage, then head to head record, followed by record vs. opposite conference.
Seeding
Within each conference, the three division winners and the five non-division winners with the most wins qualify for the playoffs. Each conference's bracket is fixed; there is no reseeding. The seedings are based on each team's record; however, the division winners are guaranteed to be ranked at least fourth regardless of record. This allows one non-division winner to benefit from a superior record than other division winners by taking a higher seed in the playoffs.
Tiebreakers
The tiebreakers that determine seedings are:
- Division leader wins tie from team not leading a division (if determining 4th seed)
- Conference record
- Division record (for the tied teams that are in the same division)
- Home game record
- Head-to-head record
- Rank from last season
If there are more than two teams tied, the team that wins the tiebreaker gets the best seed, while the other teams are "re-broken" from the first step until all ties are resolved. Since the three division winners are guaranteed a spot in the top four, ties to determine the division winners have to be broken prior to resolving any other ties.
Qualified Teams
Eastern Conference
— = Can not achieve
Western Conference
— = Can not achieve
Notes
a. Despite their matching overall records, the Tennessee Moonshiners and Lorain Firestorm are seeded higher over the Queens Pride by virtue of their final conference records (23-17 to 22-18).
b. Despite their matching conference and divisional records, the Tennessee Moonshiners are seeded higher over the Lorain Firestorm by virtue of their final home court records (25-7 to 23-9).
c. Despite their matching overall records, the Bangor Tides are seeded higher over the Biloxi Voodoo by virtue of their final conference records (23-17 to ).
d. Despite finishing the regular season with matching overall records, The Biloxi Voodoo were given the 8th seed over the Tallahassee Typhoons by virtue of their final conference records ( to 18-22).
e. Despite their higher overall record, the Montana Howlers are seeded fifth in order to make room for the Arizona Whips who are the winners of the Plains Division.
f. Despite their matching overall and conference records, the San Jose Thrust are seeded higher over the Alaska Arctics by virtue of their final divisional records (11-13 to 10-14).
Bracket
Teams in bold have advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its conference, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions are marked by an asterisk. Teams with home court advantage have numbers in italics.
| Conference Quarterfinals
| | | Conference Semifinals
| | | Conference Finals
| | | FBA Finals
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| Western Conference
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Western Conference
Western Quarterfinals
(1) Santa Ana Spectrums vs. (8) Dakota Bikers
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Arena: The Prism Palace - Santa Ana, CA
Player of the Game: L.V. McDyess (Black Panther, G) - 28 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl
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Arena: The Prism Palace - Santa Ana, CA
Player of the Game: Fenruss Brylee (Black Wolf, F/C) - 16 pts, 11 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: Sofawolf Stadium - Sioux Falls, SD
Player of the Game: Catherine DeMille (Palm Cockatoo, G) - 11 pts, 4 reb, 13 ast, 4 stl
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Arena: Sofawolf Stadium - Sioux Falls, SD
Player of the Game: Lee Jin-Sung (Black Bear, F) - 22 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk
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Arena: The Prism Palace - Santa Ana, CA
Player of the Game: Aditya Anggun (Balinese Civet, G) - 15 pts, 2 reb, 10 ast, 3 stl
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Arena: Sofawolf Stadium - Sioux Falls, SD
Player of the Game: Fenruss Brylee (Black Wolf, F/C) - 30 pts, 11 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 3 blk
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Arena: The Prism Palace - Santa Ana, CA
Player of the Game: Dylan Redfield (Red Deer, F) - 24 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl
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Dakota wins series 4-3
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Reigning champion Santa Ana takes on Dakota, the only team who's won more than one ring this decade - sadly reduced to a shadow of its former self this season mostly due to a ceaseless string of injuries. Both parties enter this post-season with a lot to prove - Santa Ana's triumvirate of McDyess/Soro/Destrier are chomping at the bit to demonstrate that last year's victory wasn't a fluke, while Dakota's offensive stalwart Dylan Redfield longs to prove once and for all that he belongs among the all-time greats. Who will come out on top, the Bikers or the Spectrums?
-J. Köbrich-Barnes
Regular season series
Spectrums swept 2-0 in the regular-season series
- Wed 12/30/15: SAS 108, @DAK 106 (boxscore)
- Thu 03/03/16: DAK 93, @SAS 106 (boxscore)
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This is the third meeting in the playoffs between the Spectrums and the Bikers.
Last Playoffs meeting: 2015 Western Conference Semifinals (Spectrums won 4-1)
(2) Hawaii Kahunas vs. (7) Alaska Arctics
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Arena: E Komo Mai Arena - Honolulu, HI
Player of the Game: Cliff Matthiews (Canadian Lynx, G) - 30 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: E Komo Mai Arena - Honolulu, HI
Player of the Game: Augustin Benoit (Bat-eared Fox, G/F) - 25 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: Arctic Tundra Arena - Anchorage, AK
Player of the Game: Scoonie Barrett (Otter, F/C) - 33 pts, 9 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk
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Arena: Arctic Tundra Arena - Anchorage, AK
Player of the Game: Scoonie Barrett (Otter, F/C) - 30 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk
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Arena: E Komo Mai Arena - Honolulu, HI
Player of the Game: Scoonie Barrett (Otter, F/C) - 25 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk
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Arena: Arctic Tundra Arena - Anchorage, AK
Player of the Game: Cliff Matthiews (Canadian Lynx, G) - 25 pts, 3 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: E Komo Mai Arena - Honolulu, HI
Player of the Game: Scoonie Barrett (Otter, F/C) - 33 pts, 12 reb, 3 ast, 2 blk
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Hawaii wins series 4-3
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Alaska is set to clash with their division rivals in Hawaii. While the two teams are known to be healthy rivals, the heat of the playoffs simmer what may be one of the most exciting first round matches yet. With the Arctics gaining a meteoric rise towards the end of the season, will their ascent overcome the dominating Kahunas, or will they be stopped cold? It's going to be yet another battle of the elements - a showdown between Ice and Water.
-R. Alonse
Regular season series
Kahunas won 5-3 in the regular-season series
- Wed 12/30/15: HWI 105, @ALK 103 (boxscore)
- Mon 01/11/16: HWI 105, @ALK 107 (boxscore)
- Thu 01/28/16: ALK 101, @HWI 105 (boxscore)
- Wed 02/17/16: ALK 112, @HWI 107 (boxscore)
- Mon 03/07/16: HWI 103, ALK 94 (boxscore)
- Fri 03/25/16: ALK 108, @HWI 109 (boxscore)
- Tue 04/12/16: HWI 102, @ALK 118 (boxscore)
- Thu 04/28/16: ALK 109, @HWI 115 OT (boxscore)
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This is the first meeting in the playoffs between the Kahunas and the Arctics.
(3) Seattle Summit vs. (6) San Jose Thrust
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Alessandro Serra (Weasel, G) - 20 pts, 2 reb, 7 ast, 2 stl
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F) - 37 pts, 12 reb, 1 ast
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Arena: Rabbit Valley Pavilion II - San Jose, CA
Player of the Game: Rachel Barsky (Alaskan Malamute, F) - 31 pts, 8 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk
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Arena: Rabbit Valley Pavilion II - San Jose, CA
Player of the Game: Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F) - 33 pts, 13 reb, 2 ast, 3 blk
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Jeri Naranjo (Cacomistle, G) - 22 pts, 2 reb, 7 ast, 5 stl
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Arena: Rabbit Valley Pavilion II - San Jose, CA
Player of the Game: Alessandro Serra (Weasel, G) - 28 pts, 5 reb, 12 ast, 3 stl
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Daniel Quvianuq (Polar Bear, C) - 16 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, 5 blk
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Seattle wins series 4-3
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This match-up contains two teams that are very similar to one another. The Thrust started the season on fire, but started to cool down as the season went on due to a bit of injury trouble. While the Summit had trouble to figure out the formula to win in the beginning of the season to finishing the year on a strong note. A lot of folks would have to consider watching the match-ups between Barnaby Jazz/Daniel Quvianuq and Jeri Naranjo/Alessandro Serra. However, the biggest factor will be which bench makes the better impact. Will it be the Thrust's led by Nacht/Mendoza or the Summit's led by Marshall/DeMarcus?
-M. Baylor
Regular season series
Summit swept 2-0 in the regular-season series
- Fri 01/01/16: SJT 100, @SEA 105 (boxscore)
- Sun 04/24/16: SEA 109, @SJT 108 (boxscore)
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This is the first meeting in the playoffs between the Summit and the Thrust.
(4) Arizona Whips vs. (5) Montana Howlers
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Arena: Ascendant Arena - Flagstaff, AZ
Player of the Game: Lance Wildfyre (Rabbit, G) - 21 pts, 2 reb, 6 ast, 3 stl
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Arena: Ascendant Arena - Flagstaff, AZ
Player of the Game: Kresta Renstill (Silver Fox, G) - 28 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl
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Arena: Treasure State Arena - Billings, MT
Player of the Game: Kresta Renstill (Silver Fox, G) - 26 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl
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Arena: Treasure State Arena - Billings, MT
Player of the Game: Ren Inoue (Tosa Inu, G) - 14 pts, 3 reb, 11 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: Ascendant Arena - Flagstaff, AZ
Player of the Game: Lance Wildfyre (Rabbit, G) - 26 pts, 1 reb, 8 ast, 5 stl
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Arena: Treasure State Arena - Billings, MT
Player of the Game: Hiroyuki Matsuura (Shrike, C/F) - 18 pts, 15 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
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Although the Whips have won both their games against the Howlers, there are some who argue their one point victories were only taken because Montana was missing one of their stars for each game (Renstill and Inoue). However, one has only to look at the injuries Montana sustained only to lose in both of those games. They pushed extremely hard, and the Whips were still able to beat them, even at home. Montana is a good team, I just think the Whips are hungry enough to beat them once again. They have a lot to prove, and this is the series to do it in.
-C. Whalen
Regular season series
Whips swept 2-0 in the regular-season series
- Thu 01/07/16: MON 107, @AZW 108 (boxscore)
- Wed 05/04/16: AZW 105, @MON 104 (boxscore)
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This is the first meeting in the last seven playoffs between the Whips and the Howlers.
Western Semifinals
(5) Montana Howlers vs. (8) Dakota Bikers
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Arena: Treasure State Arena - Billings, MT
Player of the Game: Dylan Redfield (Red Deer, F) - 25 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: Treasure State Arena - Billings, MT
Player of the Game: Ren Inoue (Tosa Inu, G) - 23 pts, 3 reb, 10 ast, 4 stl
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Arena: Sofawolf Stadium - Sioux Falls, SD
Player of the Game: Dylan Redfield (Red Deer, F) - 22 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl
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Arena: Sofawolf Stadium - Sioux Falls, SD
Player of the Game: Ryan Malone (Kangaroo, G) - 21 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
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Arena: Treasure State Arena - Billings, MT
Player of the Game: Ren Inoue (Tosa Inu, G) - 15 pts, 2 reb, 7 ast, 2 stl
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Arena: Sofawolf Stadium - Sioux Falls, SD
Player of the Game: Ren Inoue (Tosa Inu, G) - 13 pts, 1 reb, 15 ast, 4 stl
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Arena: Treasure State Arena - Billings, MT
Player of the Game: Hiroyuki Matsuura (Shrike, C/F) - 19 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast, 3 blk
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Montana wins series 4-3
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It's the bad boys vs. the wild boys of the league! After an impressive upset led mainly by defensive star Fenruss Brylee (Black Wolf, F/C), the Bikers face off against the early favorite Montana, which have seen their plans completely changed up, thinking they were going on a tough road versus the Spectrums, after an impressive run against a divisional champion Arizona. Time will tell if Dakota lives up to this Cinderella story or if Montana is able to continue their way to the Finals. ~Z. Donovan
Regular season series
Tied 1-1 in the regular-season series
- Thu 02/11/16: MON 103, @DAK 107 (boxscore)
- Fri 05/06/16: DAK 92, @MON 103 (boxscore)
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This is the second meeting in the last seven playoffs between the Howlers and the Bikers.
Last Playoffs meeting: 2010 Western Conference Semifinals (Bikers won 4-3)
(2) Hawaii Kahunas vs. (3) Seattle Summit
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Arena: E Komo Mai Arena - Honolulu, HI
Player of the Game: Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F) - 26 pts, 11 reb, 1 ast, 3 blk
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Arena: E Komo Mai Arena - Honolulu, HI
Player of the Game: Scoonie Barrett (Otter, F/C) - 25 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast, 3 blk
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F) - 30 pts, 11 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F) - 27 pts, 13 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk
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Arena: E Komo Mai Arena - Honolulu, HI
Player of the Game: Scoonie Barrett (Otter, F/C) - 25 pts, 13 reb, 2 ast, 3 blk
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Zack Tate (Zorilla, C) - 27 pts, 9 reb, 2 ast, 3 blk
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Arena: E Komo Mai Arena - Honolulu, HI
Player of the Game: Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F) - 30 pts, 12 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk
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Seattle wins series 4-3
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For the first time in both franchises' history, Hawaii and Seattle make the trip to the second round of the playoffs after dispatching the Arctics and the Thrust in seven games. The field is set for the much-awaited battle between the two posterboys of this post-season and main MVP candidates - Scoonie Barrett (Otter, F/C) and Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F), who averaged respectively 27.7 and 28 points during the first round. Daniel Quvianuq (Polar Bear, C) and Zack Tate (Zorilla, C) will complete the match-up between the two most feared frontcourts of the league, with promising guards Julian Cross-Kiraly (Saluki, G) and Jeri Naranjo (Cacomistle, G) bound to step in to cover for the much needed contribution of veterans Masalia and Velasquez, both sidelined for the first few games of the series. A grueling challenge awaits two teams that look very much alike in a number of ways - it's gonna be nothing short of a battle for a spot in the Conference Finals.
-J. Köbrich-Barnes
Regular season series
Tied 1-1 in the regular-season series
- Thu 02/11/16: HWI 89, @SEA 98 (boxscore)
- Tue 03/01/16: SEA 86, @HWI 99 (boxscore)
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This is the first meeting in the playoffs between the Kahunas and the Summit.
Western Finals: (3) Seattle Summit vs. (5) Montana Howlers
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F) - 30 pts, 13 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F) - 35 pts, 11 reb, 3 ast, 3 blk
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Arena: Treasure State Arena - Billings, MT
Player of the Game: Kresta Renstill (Silver Fox, G) - 26 pts, 2 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl
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Arena: Treasure State Arena - Billings, MT
Player of the Game: Lemond Conkale (Florida Panther, F/G) - 20 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F) - 25 pts, 12 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk
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Arena: Treasure State Arena - Billings, MT
Player of the Game: Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F) - 28 pts, 11 reb, 2 ast, 3 blk
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Many analysts, myself included, expected the Pacific Rim Division to be the ones dominating the Western Conference bracket in the post-season. Instead, we've seen all four of those teams fall by the wayside, leaving the two rivals at the top of the Mountain Division battling it out for representation at the FBA Finals. Both teams feature a good mix of fresh talent and young veterans, but all eyes will be focused on the matchups in the front court: MVP candidate Jake Turner (Red Fox, C/F) against RoTY contender Sterling Bengtzing (Marbled Polecat, C/F), two children of former FBA players trying to carve their own legacy into the league; reigning DPoY Daniel Quvianuq (Polar Bear, C) against last year's #1 ranked rookie Hiroyuki Matsuura (Shrike, C/F), two athletes with vastly different styles of play under the basket. With both teams having each stolen one road victory against each other during the regular season, home court advantage may not be enough to determine the eventual winners of this series.
-P. Suarez
Regular season series
Tied 4-4 in the regular-season series
- Mon 12/07/15: MON 97, @SEA 84 (boxscore)
- Wed 01/13/16: SEA 105, @MON 106 (boxscore)
- Thu 01/28/16: MON 105, @SEA 110 (boxscore)
- Sat 02/13/16: SEA 88, @MON 100 (boxscore)
- Wed 03/09/16: SEA 93, @MON 109 (boxscore)
- Fri 03/25/16: MON 98, @SEA 108 (boxscore)
- Mon 04/11/16: SEA 102, @MON 100 (boxscore)
- Thu 04/28/16: MON 99, @SEA 108 (boxscore)
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This is the first meeting in the playoffs between the Summit and the Howlers.
Eastern Conference
Eastern Quarterfinals
(1) Pittsburgh Keystones vs. (8) Biloxi Voodoo
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Arena: AmeriSteel Forum - Pittsburgh, PA
Player of the Game: Shirley Takamoto (Jaguar, F/G) - 22 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk
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Arena: AmeriSteel Forum - Pittsburgh, PA
Player of the Game: Lance Freewell (Clouded Leopard, C) - 14 pts, 13 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk
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Arena: Crawdad Stadium - Biloxi, MS
Player of the Game: Michael Porter (Mallard, F/C) - 14 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk
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Arena: Crawdad Stadium - Biloxi, MS
Player of the Game: Craig Reinhardt (Black Panther, F/C) - 23 pts, 13 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk
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Arena: AmeriSteel Forum - Pittsburgh, PA
Player of the Game: Wayne Kirkpatrick (Tasmanian Devil, F) - 26 pts, 8 reb, 2 blk
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Arena: Crawdad Stadium - Biloxi, MS
Player of the Game: Aragon Fisher (Otter, G) - 16 pts, 3 reb, 10 ast, 3 stl
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Arena: AmeriSteel Forum - Pittsburgh, PA
Player of the Game: Shirley Takamoto (Jaguar, F/G) - 31 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl
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Pittsburgh wins series 4-3
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This match-up is the battle between two complete opposites. The kings of the Eastern Conference regular season vs. the little Voodoo that could. The mighty army vs. the stalwart bastion. The seasoned veteran coach Anton Schumacher who steadily built a team for the past three years vs. the rookie coach William Yu who turned a ragtag bunch into a solid, methodical team. Mark Quintaux, the Midas Touch of drafts vs. Macon Waldrop, the Silver Tongue of trades and negotiations. The Goliath vs. David. Offense vs. defense. The recent super team vs. the rejuvenated old-timers. Overall season record heavily slants the scales towards a Keystones win, but can the Voodoo work their magic and defeat the odds?
- S. Masterson
Regular season series
Tied 1-1 in the regular-season series
- Fri 02/12/16: PIT 98, @BLV 101 (boxscore)
- Sat 04/23/16: BLV 90, @PIT 100 (boxscore)
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This is the first meeting in the playoffs between the Keystones and the Voodoo.
(2) Albany Alphas vs. (7) Bangor Tides
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Viran Kivar (Jaguar, F) - 15 pts, 11 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F) - 41 pts, 9 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: Shawshank Stadium - Bangor, ME
Player of the Game: Raoul Kidane (Ethiopian Wolf, C) - 32 pts, 10 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk
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Arena: Shawshank Stadium - Bangor, ME
Player of the Game: Apiatan Redmane (Water Buffalo, G) - 25 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F) - 28 pts, 11 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
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Albany wins series 4-1
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Even though they're seeded lower, Bangor is in a very good position to upset Albany this year. However, the Alphas are looking to make up for last year's efforts falling short. I think this will be the closest match in the first round, it could really be anyone's game. Both teams have exhibited some impressive wins in a very strong East. Hard pressed for a prediction, I have to root for my home state, and say that Albany will take the series, 4 to 3.
-C. Whalen
Regular season series
Tides won 5-3 in the regular-season series
- Thu 12/31/15: ALB 100, @BGR 110 (boxscore)
- Thu 01/14/16: BGR 90, @ALB 92 (boxscore)
- Sun 01/31/16: BGR 98, @ALB 96 (boxscore)
- Tue 02/16/16: ALB 106, @BGR 109 (boxscore)
- Tue 03/08/16: ALB 100, @BGR 98 (boxscore)
- Tue 03/22/16: BGR 101, @ALB 97 (boxscore)
- Wed 04/13/16: ALB 111, @BGR 107 (boxscore)
- Sun 05/01/16: BGR 108, @ALB 100 (boxscore)
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This is the first meeting in the playoffs between the Alphas and the Tides.
(3) Tennessee Moonshiners vs. (6) Williamsburg Minutemen
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Arena: The Still - Nashville, TN
Player of the Game: Renee Fiora (Malamute, F) - 20 pts, 10 reb, 2 stl
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Arena: The Still - Nashville, TN
Player of the Game: Russell Savoy (Binturong, G/F) - 25 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: Patriot Stadium - Williamsburg, VA
Player of the Game: Renee Fiora (Malamute, F) - 27 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: Patriot Stadium - Williamsburg, VA
Player of the Game: Russell Savoy (Binturong, G/F) - 21 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast
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Arena: The Still - Nashville, TN
Player of the Game: Russell Savoy (Binturong, G/F) - 24 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: Patriot Stadium - Williamsburg, VA
Player of the Game: Russell Savoy (Binturong, G/F) - 24 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
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Tennessee wins series 4-2
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Two teams that both had promise for a better season face off in a match-up of validation. On Tennessee's side, despite the injuries they endured, they were still able to withstand Eli Shuck's dislocated shoulder and earn the Southern division title. The Moonshiners received key contributions from newcomer Russell Savoy, veteran Jackson Nuez, youngsters Hal Dufrain and Hank Sawyer and underrated acquisitions Mariam V. Walstien and Samuel Roberts.
The result of the series may depend on the health of Williamsburg's three stars: Vera La Tiérra, Crystal Summers and Renee Fiora. The Minutemen can be described as a well-run but sensitive machine: if one part breaks, the whole thing slows to a crawl until the part is fixed. Aside from the main three, the Minutemen received steady play from Sebastian Kosciusko and second-year players Mikaylah Marley and Rebecca McCloud.
If Minutemen players remain healthy, we could see an upset. If any one of their back court gets knocked out for the series, the momentum would shift to the Moonshiners.
- A. Stanton
Regular season series
Tied 1-1 in the regular-season series
- Fri 02/12/16: WIL 99, @TEN 108 (boxscore)
- Sat 04/23/16: TEN 98, @WIL 99 (boxscore)
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This is the first meeting in the last seven playoffs between the Moonshiners and the Minutemen.
(4) Lorain Firestorm vs. (5) Queens Pride
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Arena: Lorain Precinct Arena - Lorain, OH
Player of the Game: Aisha Melbourne (Mink, F/C) - 20 pts, 11 reb, 1 blk
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Arena: Lorain Precinct Arena - Lorain, OH
Player of the Game: Valencia Zeraus (Lioness, G) - 27 pts, 4 reb, 7 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: Rucker Stadium - Queens, NY
Player of the Game: Valencia Zeraus (Lioness, G) - 14 pts, 1 reb, 8 ast, 4 stl
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Arena: Rucker Stadium - Queens, NY
Player of the Game: Valencia Zeraus (Lioness, G) - 26 pts, 3 reb, 8 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: Lorain Precinct Arena - Lorain, OH
Player of the Game: Aisha Melbourne (Mink, F/C) - 17 pts, 11 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk
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Arena: Rucker Stadium - Queens, NY
Player of the Game: Valencia Zeraus (Lioness, G) - 21 pts, 3 reb, 13 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk
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Two teams redeem themselves and enter the playoffs after missing them out last year, but only one will leave with a spot in the Semifinals while other will have to wait for the next year. These two had almost exact records, managing to survive cutthroat Divisions to find themselves here. Will Lorain's consistency and depth under their home advantage breeze through? Or will the Zeraus/Tevela combo manage to go through the next round?
-Z.Donovan
Regular season series
Tied 1-1 in the regular-season series
- Tue 12/08/15: QNS 108, @LOR 111 (boxscore)
- Mon 04/25/16: LOR 101, @QNS 108 (boxscore)
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This is the third meeting in the last seven playoffs between the Firestorm and the Pride.
Last Playoffs meeting: 2011 Eastern Conference Finals (Firestorm won 4-3)
Eastern Semifinals
(1) Pittsburgh Keystones vs. (5) Queens Pride
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Arena: AmeriSteel Forum - Pittsburgh, PA
Player of the Game: Shirley Takamoto (Jaguar, F/G) - 24 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl
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Arena: AmeriSteel Forum - Pittsburgh, PA
Player of the Game: Lance Freewell (Clouded Leopard, C) - 21 pts, 13 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk
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Arena: Rucker Stadium - Queens, NY
Player of the Game: Adam Tevela (Linsang, F) - 21 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl
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Arena: Rucker Stadium - Queens, NY
Player of the Game: Valencia Zeraus (Lioness, G) - 20 pts, 3 reb, 7 ast, 4 stl
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Arena: AmeriSteel Forum - Pittsburgh, PA
Player of the Game: Lance Freewell (Clouded Leopard, C) - 18 pts, 11 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk
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Arena: Rucker Stadium - Queens, NY
Player of the Game: Wayne Kirkpatrick (Tasmanian Devil, F) - 27 pts, 9 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
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Pittsburgh wins series 4-2
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After a rough quarterfinals against the Voodoo, the Pittsburgh Keystones face the freshly relocated Queens Pride in the semifinals, who made relatively quick work of the Firestorm in six games. The Pride had to pay a relatively heavy price, however, as starting center Stefan Kikovic (Porcupine, C) was sidelined for possibly the rest of the entire playoffs. While the Keystones have a markedly better starting five overall, with sophomore Shirley Takamoto (Jaguar, F/G) especially having standout performances, the Pride's captain Valencia Zeraus (Lioness, G) has proven that she is capable of single-handedly winning games for the team time and time again. Will the Keystones be able to make their second conference finals in a row, or will the Pride return there for the first time since 2013?
- S. Masterson
Regular season series
Pittsburgh swept 2-0 in the regular-season series
- Sun 02/14/16: QNS 101, @PIT 108 (boxscore)
- Wed 03/02/16: PIT 112, @QNS 109 (boxscore)
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This is the first meeting in the playoffs between the Keystones and the Pride.
(2) Albany Alphas vs. (3) Tennessee Moonshiners
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F) - 25 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F) - 26 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk
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Arena: The Still - Nashville, TN
Player of the Game: Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F) - 27 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl
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Arena: The Still - Nashville, TN
Player of the Game: Hank Sawyer (Virginia Opossum, G) - 11 pts, 2 reb, 12 ast, 3 stl
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Apiatan Redmane (Water Buffalo, G) - 25 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl
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Albany wins series 4-1
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I am extremely excited for this series. Albany and Tennessee both play very loose basketball, and this will just end up being a fun series overall to watch. Both of these teams have really strong offensive lines, I'm expecting high scoring games all around with lots of passing, and lots of showmanship. This could be the most entertaining series of the playoffs.
I'm especially interested to see Jackson Nuez (Squirrel, G/F) go up against his old team here. I expect the Moonshiners will have an inside scoop as to how the Alphas operate in the playoffs. If Albany can defend their home turf, they have a chance of taking the series, but it will DEFINITELY be a close match-up for sure.
-C. Whalen
Regular season series
Tied 1-1 in the regular-season series
- Wed 01/06/16: TEN 95, @ALB 106 (boxscore)
- Wed 03/30/16: ALB 88, @TEN 93 (boxscore)
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This is the first meeting in the last seven playoffs between the Moonshiners and the Alphas.
Eastern Finals: (1) Pittsburgh Keystones vs. (2) Albany Alphas
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Arena: AmeriSteel Forum - Pittsburgh, PA
Player of the Game: Terrence Tolliver (Pronghorn, G) - 24 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl
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Arena: AmeriSteel Forum - Pittsburgh, PA
Player of the Game: Wayne Kirkpatrick (Tasmanian Devil, F) - 27 pts, 8 reb, 1 blk
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Timur Tomilin (Mammoth, C) - 18 pts, 13 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 4 blk
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F) - 25 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast
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Arena: AmeriSteel Forum - Pittsburgh, PA
Player of the Game: Terrence Tolliver (Pronghorn, G) - 25 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F) - 31 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl
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Arena: AmeriSteel Forum - Pittsburgh, PA
Player of the Game: Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F) - 20 pts, 11 reb, 10 ast
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Alphas win series 4-3
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Both the Alphas and the Keystones made relatively short work of their opponents compared to their Western Conference counterparts as they meet on top of the East for the second year in a row. Circumstances are not quite the same as they were before, though; the Keystones are not nearly as injury-plagued as they were last year (despite some injuries to their backup bigfur lineup), and the Alphas are without one of their stronger players last year in Jackson Nuez (Squirrel, G/F). And while Pittsburgh could still struggle against Albany's star forward duo Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F) and Viran Kivar (Jaguar, F), their starting lineup is now more well-rounded in offense with Wayne Kirkpatrick (Tasmanian Devil, F) taking the position of power forward compared to Brandon Dreyvus (Opossum, F) previously. The series lasted seven full games last year; will the Keystones be able to tip the scales to their favor this time, or will the Alphas prevail once more?
- S. Masterson
Regular season series
Alphas swept 2-0 in the regular-season series
- Sat 01/02/16: PIT 104, @ALB 108 (boxscore)
- Mon 03/28/16: ALB 108, @PIT 101 (boxscore)
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This is the second meeting in the playoffs between the Keystones and the Alphas.
Last Playoffs meeting: 2015 Eastern Conference Finals (Alphas won 4-3)
FBA Finals: E2 Albany Alphas vs. W3 Seattle Summit
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F) - 30 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F) - 25 pts, 9 reb, 7 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Jeri Naranjo (Cacomistle, G) - 20 pts, 1 reb, 10 ast, 4 stl
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Arena: Safe Arena - Seattle, WA
Player of the Game: Christine Harfurd (Puma, G) - 23 pts, 3 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl
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Arena: Farigami Park - Albany, NY
Player of the Game: Viran Kivar (Jaguar, F) - 21 pts, 9 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
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Alphas win series 4-1
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(insert blurb here)
Regular season series
Alphas swept 2-0 in the regular-season series
- Sat 02/06/16: ALB 103, @SEA 101 (boxscore)
- Mon 04/18/16: SEA 102, @ALB 107 (boxscore)
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This is the first meeting in the playoffs between the Alphas and the Summit.
Links and Media
The FBA Follow-Up Podcast - 2016 FBA Playoffs - Round 2 Preview
Featuring the following cast:
- Chris Whalen - Rourkie
- Roni Fulton – Tirk Renard
- Renee Fiora - Pac
- Agundio Salvatore Atti-Morales - Aoki Bengal
- Morgan McCarthy – World Famous IC
- L.V. McDyess - Paul Shep
- Michael Porter - IllaRogue
- Cliff Matthiews - Hoomiku
- Niko McNamara - Niko
- Redawn Fenwatcher - Shataivian
- Ryan Eastman - Faded Forest
Music Credits:
FBA Follow-Up theme: Breakbeat by Rourke Danyals
- Bye Bye Bye - N’Sync
- Goodbye - Air Supply
- Goodbye - Avril Lavigne
- Goodbye to You - Patti Smyth
- Here Comes Goodbye - Rascal Flatts
- No Way Jose - WWE
- Porcelin - Moby
- Say Goodbye to Hollywood - Billy Joel
- Time to Say Good Bye - Sarah Brightman
The FBA Follow-Up Podcast - 2016 FBA Playoff Preview
Featuring the following analysts:
FBA Follow-Up theme: Breakbeat by Rourke Danyals
The FBA Follow-Up Podcast - 2016 FBA Playoffs - Round 1, Game 1 Report
Featuring Chris Whalen played by Rourkie
FBA Follow-Up theme: Breakbeat by Rourke Danyals
The FBA Follow-Up Podcast - 2016 FBA Playoffs - Round 1, Game 2 Report
Featuring Chris Whalen played by Rourkie
The FBA Follow-Up Podcast - 2016 FBA Playoffs - Round 1, Game 3 Report
Featuring Chris Whalen played by Rourkie
